FUNDamentals

Our Trick Shot Video

2011-11-17T15:34:43-06:00

Our Coin Trick Shot Video

Note: Trick shots usually involve people doing amazing things with footballs, soccer balls, glasses, etc...We are not those people.

Material and Spiritual Dimensions of Life

2011-04-27T09:25:19-05:00

On Discourse

Material and Spiritual Dimensions of Life

Last month the Baha'i International Community, the Baha'i world's representation to the UN, made a powerful statement at the United Nations Commission on Social Development. The Commission meets annually to discuss issues of global poverty and employment. May Akale, the Baha'i representative to the Commission, noted that, "Efforts to eradicate poverty must be guided by a vision of human prosperity in the fullest sense of the term – a dynamic coherence between the material and spiritual dimensions of human life."

The oral statement presented went on to say that, "Vibrant communities are also agents of change. Their vitality derives from the degree to which they are able to develop and strengthen the capacities of individuals and institutions of which they are comprised. The development of human capacities for justice, honesty,
cooperation, and freedom from prejudice, promotes bonds of trust and reciprocity that form the basis of community life. The obligations of the community extend to the provision of employment and fair wages, health care, rest and recreation. In this way, communities can improve the social and economic life of a population."

To read the full statement click here.

To read more about the Baha'i International Community's work at the UN, click here.

Budgeting...with Bears

2011-04-27T09:22:23-05:00

FUNDamentals Cinema

Budgeting Breakdown...with Bears

Hank & Terri talk budgeting...

By One's Calling

2010-11-22T17:06:25-06:00

By One's Calling

From the Editor

Why are we here? What is the purpose of our existence? These are questions that get to the root of who we are. And if you're anything like us the next questions are, how do we find our purpose and how can we make a living fulfilling that purpose? We asked a couple of friends what they do and how they're doing it, asking them to explore this amazing quote from Baha'u'llah: "The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon their kindred for the love of God." From being a model to becoming a writer, they gave us some great insight. Keep reading to see what they had to share.

We also want to share with you a short, dynamic presentation about the Baha'i Funds! Whether you're new to the Baha'i Faith, been a Baha'i for a long time or are just interested in learning a little more about what Baha'is believe, we're sure there's something here for you. And please feel free to share with friends and family!

We hope you like this issue, and stay tuned for more in the upcoming Winter issue!

All our love,

The FUNDamentals Team

Keep praying and listening for God's response.

2010-11-22T17:05:32-06:00

Changing What We Pray For

"Keep praying and listening for God's response."

Liz D. from Los Angeles shares what she went through to find her calling, the examples she had in her life and how prayer helped her find her path.

Three years ago a friend shared with me that he’d decided to apply to law school. This surprised me because he’s one of the most talented writers I know, and he had a great, albeit not well-paying job writing for an online music site. However, he was approaching the age of thirty, had begun thinking about marriage and kids, and was feeling pressure to be in a position where he could earn more money. LSAT prep classes were soon underway.

Even though I ultimately supported him in his decision, I couldn’t help but tell him that I couldn’t see him working in some corporate firm. Then again, maybe being an honest and ethical lawyer is where he’ll truly shine, and, well, being a lawyer does require lots of writing.

Our conversation got me thinking about how one of the great difficulties of our modern age is discovering and following our true calling, particularly when materialistic motivations, as well as gender and cultural expectations, obscure what is ultimately a spiritual concept.

Like you, I’ve been asked from a young age, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” After four years of college, I didn’t have a clear answer, even as I felt immense pressure to have a socially impressive response. I knew I didn’t want to go the route many other graduates were taking: accept whatever job offer threw the most money and perks in my direction, or else go to law school because I didn’t know what else I wanted to do with myself.

After graduating from college I went to China on a Year of Service. 99% of me was genuinely motivated by wanting to be of service. The other one percent, OK, maybe more than one percent, was hoping God would magically reveal what I was supposed to do with the rest of my life. If work is worship and, as Bahá'u'lláh says, "The best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling,” well, what in the world was my calling? How was I supposed to be worshipping?

Oddly enough, I felt like being a woman gave me more freedom to follow my calling. If a young man rings his father up and says that instead of being an investment banker he believes his true calling is teaching, his father might approve. But, given the way materialism and gender inequality weave their sticky webs, his father is more likely to say that teaching is only a job for women and it doesn’t earn enough to support a family.

My parents didn’t mandate a career for me. I’m lucky in that regard. A couple of friends of mine are doctors, not because they had a love for healing the sick, but because every other person in their family is a doctor and they’d been told from a very young age, “You will be a doctor!”, sometimes with threats of disownment or disinheritance attached to the command. Those friends obediently went to medical school instead of getting into advertising or museum curating.

I always look at my father as an example of someone who has seen following his calling and supporting his family as spiritually going hand in hand. He rejected law school in favor of becoming a jazz musician. On top of performing, he taught music in the public school system. Now he’s moved on to directing a jazz studies program at a major university. He’s always done what he loves, and it all revolves around jazz.

However, as much as I admire my dad, it wasn’t till my brother suddenly died a few years ago that I began to really think about my calling. My brother’s death made me realize that life really is too short to spend it doing something you don’t love.

When I reflect on why finding my calling has been challenging, I know it’s because I never asked God to make my path clear or protect me from making career decisions based on ego, status and money. I only ever prayed to God to help me find another job that paid more. And my prayers got answered, except then the new job usually required me to work long hours that were detrimental to both my health and my family life.

I’ve felt a compulsion to write ever since I was a child crafting stories for my parents. At every job I’ve ever had, I’ve always been the go-to-gal if someone needed a report, resume, cover letter or brochure written.

I began actively praying for guidance around whether or not writing is my calling. Two days after I decided to pray about it, I received an email that led to my first freelance writing job. Eventually I said goodbye to my 60-80 work weeks and hello to writing from home and spending more time with my family. .

It’s been three years since I embraced earning my livelihood through writing. I feel less like a drone from Metropolis and more professionally motivated and spiritually alive than ever. Lesson learned: Keep praying and listening for God’s response.

...my calling all comes down to how I am able to serve humanity.

2010-11-22T16:57:10-06:00

Finding One's Self Through Service

"...my calling all comes down to how I am able to serve humanity."

Mojdeh Sami has done and been a lot. Here she shares all the twists and turns that have led her to an increased understanding of her purpose and service.

When asked to write an article about finding and financing my true calling, I was initially hesitant to accept the invitation. The reason: I was not certain I had found my career calling. Upon further reflection I realized that perhaps my “calling” is not limited to one path, job or career; perhaps I have been called upon to find and create new ways to “think…at all times of rendering some service to every member of the human race.”

As a child of tender years I dreamed of being a school teacher. Throughout my schooling this dream evaporated. In college I studied Public Relations and Marketing. It was during my internship and a year of doing volunteer service in South Africa that I came to see the reality of the world of commercial advertisement and television. At the ripe age of twenty years, I had dreams of transforming the public relations field – through my idealism, faith and charismatic dynamism! By twenty-one years, I was exposed to the cut-throat reality of the industry. There may well have been opportunities for me to change the public relations world as I am sure many have; the drive to climb that ladder was simply not in me.

Returning from my year of volunteer service, I found that living a life of service was my true calling. I had learned that no matter what job I am engaged in at any particular time in my life, serving humanity is my genuine passion. Subsequently, I did earn my early childhood certificate of education and proceeded to teach. When the door opened, I put my faith in God and my foot in the door and everything seamlessly fell into place. I was a teacher – a good one at that – and had the school schedule which allowed me much time off to serve my local community.

When I felt the urge to experience life in the big city I moved to Seattle. There, I landed a job at one of the largest companies in the city, working in corporate real estate as a financial analyst. Though I had no training or experience in the field, I was offered the job and proceeded to do the work of two people on my own. Even though the job did not provide the stimulation I would have desired in a career, numbers come naturally to me and the opportunity allowed me to serve my community in several capacities simultaneously due to the flexible work schedule.

After nearly eight years of corporate work, I needed a change. I spent a month traveling throughout Asia, returned to work and gave my notice. It felt like the perfect opportunity to rediscover opportunities to serve and share with others the Baha'i Faith. I decided to branch out of my social network and enter the world of local coffee shops and baristas. Two months later, in early September, I had an urge to find out about opportunities in neighborhood schools, knowing that the education of children is a noble and praiseworthy career. The thought came to mind and I prayed that God show me the way I could best serve Him when I was contacted by a school director whom I had never met. She asked me to come in for an interview and immediately made me an offer. I started teaching four days later on the first day of school.

This summer I had the bounty of visiting Haifa, Israel, the spiritual and administrative center of the Baha'i Faith, for an extended period of time. Volunteering in various departments and praying to God to lead me to the path He deems best again brought forth fruits for which I could not be more grateful. Only one week ago, I began a new journey in my plethora of callings and am now consulting in the training and development department of one of the largest corporations in the world.

Ultimately, what I’ve learned is that my calling all comes down to how I am able to serve humanity. It can be done in more ways than one can imagine! When you set your heart on doing God’s bidding and giving in to His will you will find clarity in your path and the resources will be made available – however mysteriously. Truly, I have learned that in service and faith the "best of men are they that earn a livelihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon their kindred for the love of God."

I meant for it to be temporary...but...

2010-11-22T16:54:54-06:00

Finding One's Way

"I meant for it to be temporary...but..."

Parisa Fitz-Henley Ighani is a model, actress and a Baha'i. Here she shares her path towards understanding and navigating what she believes her calling to be with what she feels is expected of her, as a Baha'i and as a human being.

Baha’is are striving to create unity in diversity. What seems key to this is embracing the fact that although we are different, we were all created by God and therefore all have a place. We all have something to contribute.

Some of the contributions we make regarding our professions are obviously prized. We see in the Baha'i Writings the emphasis placed on educating children, healing the sick, and protecting the defenseless, and we know that jobs related to these things are the “right thing” to do. So, many of us become teachers and doctors and lawyers. But what if we’ve been called to do something a little different for a living? What if, after earnest prayer and meditation, after one’s friends have gone off to immunize villages, after one’s parents have promised to pay for engineering school – unless law school comes through - a person is guided to become… a clown?

I have wrestled with this, myself. Well, not with becoming a clown – although I did end up wearing lots of makeup and looking funny sometimes. I chose to skip college and go straight from high school graduation to modeling. Literally. Like, that night.

When I started modeling, I meant for it to be temporary. It was an unexpected opportunity that felt right for me to take. I figured I would do a few years of the flashbulbs and then go back to my plan of teaching, like my parents, but I found that I liked the job. Modeling had its drawbacks but the money was good, the schedule was flexible, and I could discuss spiritual matters with great people while traveling. Still, despite the perks, when asked what I did for a living I would either answer in a
whisper or state that I worked as a model. As if it were an act. I didn’t want to be known as the chick with the pointless job while people were starving in China.

I questioned myself repeatedly. Why did I feel like I needed to apologize for my work? My knee-jerk answer was always the thought that, according to the Baha'i writings, Baha’u’llah “discourages the study of such sciences as are unprofitable to men", and "begin with words and end with words." I would panic. Oh God! I don’t even have WORDS in my job! But modeling still felt like what I was being called to do, even if it didn’t seem like what I thought a calling should be.

After several years in the fashion industry, a coincidence brought me an opportunity to act in a film and I was hooked. I felt strongly that I should shift my focus to acting and I spent several years training and working in that field. Though I was presented with many opportunities to be of service to my community because of my profession, I was again doing a job I knew some people saw as frivolous and worldly.

I really wanted to live a praiseworthy life, but I was being called to do work that challenged my idea of what was praiseworthy. Sure, I was serving, teaching, giving to the Baha'i Funds. But I most certainly was not contributing to the betterment of the world. Or was I?

I found that I had overlooked some other things in the Baha'i writings regarding work. That, “[Baha’u’llah] commends the wealth acquired through crafts and professions,” and “considers 'arts, crafts and sciences' to be conducive to the exaltation of the world of being.” So I wasn’t out painting masterpieces or curing cancer, but I was certainly involved in the arts. Plus, I was striving to do my work “in the spirit of service” – an act that, when done successfully, Abdu’l-Baha has called the “highest form of worship.”

I started to realize that my callings – and I do believe that we are sometimes called to several things in a lifetime – were praiseworthy because they were mine. They were God’s way of helping me learn, grow, and contribute to the world in my own unique way. I realized that if everyone in the world did the same few jobs, no matter how esteemed, that we would live in a world without diversity. Even worse, we would have a world in which a huge number of people would be living a lie. “Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues.” If God tells you to become a premier circus performer, what good does it do anyone if you lie to yourself and those who might judge you so you can become a physician whose heart is under the Big Top?

The thing is, in our community’s young stage of development, and in our desire to live exemplary lives, we sometimes forget that though work is praiseworthy, we do not become great just because we do it, or do certain kinds of work. The best of us are not those who go to school the longest or have the most letters behind their names. They are those who “earn a livelihood by their calling” and spend it on “themselves and their loved ones for the love of God…”

This means that if your brother is a neurosurgeon and you are a housekeeper, there is no difference in your worth. And if I am a model and you are a structural engineer, we can both make important contributions to the world in our own ways.

When we accept the idea that real diversity is not just about race or ethnicity, but about each person being embraced for exactly who God meant them to be then our communities will not just be places where children are taught, laws are defended, and the ailing are healed. They will be places that are sparkling clean, and creative, and filled with laughter.

So, send in the doctors, the lawyers, and engineers. But please don’t forget the clowns.

An Introduction

2010-11-22T16:53:19-06:00

FUNDamentals Media

Introduction to the Baha'i Funds

(click on the triangle to advance, go to 'Full Screen' for the full effect)

Intro to Funds on Prezi

The August Issue

2010-07-28T11:18:33-05:00

Making Sense of it All
From the Editor

If you're anything like us, sometimes it's a little hard to make sense of everything that's going on in our world. So the FUNDamentals team has been scouring the internets for things to help us do just that. Here's what we found - a statement about how to change our culture entitled, "Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism"; an e-book about using social media to find a job; and an article about the booming debt consolidation business and what to look out for.

We hope you'll find all this as useful as we did!

The FUNDamentals Team

Psssst...If you see something you like, tell your friends!